United Way fundraising campaign raises $126,175

New strategic plan to elevate 10,000 families to self-sufficiency by 2030

ROANOKE – The United Way of Roanoke Valley raised $126,175 during the "It Takes the Valley Campaign" after the non-profit fell about $1 million short in donations this year. The money will fully fund three programs that would have lost money without the fundraising efforts. Other programs will get some money, but will not be fully funded.

"We really didn't know what the outcome was going to be. We knew we had to do something, we knew we had a tremendous a gap that we had to overcome and we knew that doing nothing was not an option," said Jeff Collignon, United Way's Vice President of resource development. "When you see everything come together and the real impact on not only individuals but whole communities it is such a rewarding thing to celebrate, and that's what we want to do is celebrate our community and United Way."

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During Thursday's celebration event, Afira DeVries, President and CEO of United Way of Roanoke Valley gave a preview of the new strategic plan to "elevate 10,000 families to self-sufficiency by 2030" through a cradle to career continuum of supports that would help the next generation break out of the cycle of poverty.

The plan includes a goal to increase 3rd grade reading level from 79% to 90%, graduation rates from 91% to 95% across the region and reduce poverty from 13% to 9%.

DeVries also said the United Way would have to shift the way it funds programs in coming years.

United Way of Roanoke Valley serves the citizens of Roanoke, Salem, Vinton and the counties of Botetourt, Craig and Roanoke.


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